Exit Beta

"Every exit is an entrance somewhere else." Tom Stoppard

It should come as no surprise that there are layoffs during economic downturn. Staff being sacked need to find another job, if possible. Firms sacking staff need to find a replacement, if necessary.

Sometimes, staff resign before they are sacked. In this situation, firms need to conduct exit interviews. They use exit interviews to find out why people leave their jobs.

What questions should be asked? Try these 28 questions...

- What is your primary reason for leaving?
- Did anything trigger your decision to leave?
- What was the most satisfying about your job?
- What was the least satisfying about your job?
- What would you change about your job?
- Did your job duties turn out to be as you expected?
- Did you receive enough training to do your job effectively?
- Did you receive adequate support to do your job?
- Did you receive sufficient feedback about your performance between merit reviews?
- Were you satisfied with this company's merit review process?
- Did this company help you fulfill your career goals?
- Do you have any tips to help us find your replacement?
- What would you improve to make our workplace better?
- Were you happy with your pay, benefits and other incentives?
- What was the quality of the supervision you received?
- What could your immediate supervisor do to improve his or her management style?
- Based on your experience with us, what do you think it takes to succeed at this company?
- Did any company policies or procedures (or any other obstacles) make your job more difficult?
- Would you consider working again for this company in the future?
- Would you recommend working for this company to your family and friends?
- How do you generaly feel about this company?
- What did you like most about this company?
- What did you like least about this company?
- What does your new company offer that this company doesn't?
- Can this company do anything to encourage you to stay?
- Before deciding to leave, did you investigate a transfer within the company?
- Did anyone in this company discriminate against you, harass you or cause hostile working conditions?
- Any other comments?

Or, do firms need any questions to conduct exit interviews?